Lesbian Approved to Foster Children by Catholic Bishops After Suit
In light of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) letting a lawsuit alleging discrimination go unchallenged, an unmarried lesbian will be able to foster children.
However, the move by the USCCB raises questions about whether the organization will permit single LGBTQ+ adults to foster through Catholic organizations while still discriminating against same-sex couples.In 2020, Kelly Easter expressed interest in becoming a foster parent to a refugee child through a federal program.
Her inquiry to the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement was forwarded to Bethany Christian Services, the only agency handling the program in her area.
Bethany turned her down because she is a lesbian, citing its policy against placing children with LGBTQ+ people.She complained about the discrimination and asked if there might be an exception because the program is federally funded, but Bethany officials said they were bound by the policy of the USCCB, for which it is a subcontractor.
